World Music Festivals

Description:Calgary's preeminent festival of African roots, world beat and urban music will be taking place August 9-14, 2005 at various venues throughout the week with the weekend at Prince's Island Park.

Celebrating 14 years of bringing the best emerging and established artists from Canada and abroad to Calgary, Afrikadey! 2005 will feature another stellar line-up of musical performers, plus a variety of arts events including an art exhibition and much much more.

Fictional Play: August 9th'Heaven' by Cheryl Foggo at Fort Calgary 7:00 p.m: 'Heaven' is a fictional play set in Amber Valley in 1927. Charlotte Williams, a descendant of Ontario’s Underground Railroad community, arrives in Amber Valley to take over the vacant teaching post. Harbouring a shameful secret, she finds herself the outsider in a community bound together by ties of marriage, long-standing friendships and common struggles. The presence of the mysterious, attractive Charlotte creates turmoil for the men of Amber Valley and triggers mayhem for the rest of its inhabitants. Afrikadey! is celebrating 100 years of Black Pioneers in Alberta.

Film: August 10th'Fopomoyo' at the Plaza Theatre 7:00 p.m: 'Fopomoyo' is a film featuring King Sunny Ade and is based on the Yoruba traditional Obaship (Royalty). It brings the viewer the bitterness and acrimony that follows in the bid by rival princes for a vacant stool. The title, “Fopomoyo”, measures the degree of turbulence that attends to the bid for royal power in ajindo town. Traditional king making, evocation of a god and goddess, and the enthronement ceremony amidst fan fare is not only entertaining, but educative. Afrikadey! 2005 is proud to present the Yoruba film of Chief Aliu Jimoh who will be in town for the premiere of “Fopomoyo” featuring King Sunny Ade.

Drum and Dance Workshop: August 10-12th6:30 pm at Eau Claire YMCA: Nigerian- born drum Master Kwasi Iruoje will be leading the workshops. Iruoje has traveled across North America, sharing his infectious beat with others. Ma Obonsoku, a Vancouver based dancer and choreographer will be leading the dance workshops. The live and interactive sessions will introduce and various levels of drumming ability. Tickets are $20 per workshop or $50 for three. To register, call the Eau Claire YMCA at 269-6701. Drums are free of charge but are limited, so register early for this unforgettable event.

Juju Reggae Dance: August 13thDoors at 8pm, Music at 9 (MacEwan Hall): Featuring Sir Shina Peters, the Afrojuju maestro from Nigeria and Yami Bolo, Jamaican reggae/dance hall superstar. Destined to be the world music party of the year, this after Island event is a danceathon that will keep your feet moving nonstop. A licensed cabaret for adults over 18 years old. Limited seating – come early to ensure availability. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. with music starting at 9:00 p.m. Students, alumni, staff and guests are welcome.Celebration: August 13th and 14th: There will be a two day celebration at Prince's Island Park featuring tons of great performers... Check out the 'Lineup'